Home News Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Tier List

Nintendo Consoles Ranked: A Tier List

by Anthony Apr 22,2025

With the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has officially confirmed the arrival of its latest console. Boasting over four decades of video game hardware experience, the excitement to see what Nintendo has in store is palpable, though initial impressions suggest a more conservative approach. For those eager to dive into the details of the Switch 2, we've analyzed the trailer extensively. But before we look ahead, let's take a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's storied past.

Over the past five decades, Nintendo has introduced eight home consoles (NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and the Switch) and five handhelds (Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and 3DS). But which console reigns supreme? I've ranked them using an IGN Tier List, considering both the innovation of the hardware and the quality and impact of each console's game library. Here's a glimpse at my personal tier list:

Simon Cardy's Nintendo Console Tier List

The NES holds a special place in my heart as my first console, evoking cherished memories of playing Super Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, and the challenging Hook platformer at just five years old. This nostalgia places it firmly in the S tier. The Switch, with its ingenious hybrid design (despite the occasional stick drift), and iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, also earns a spot in the top tier.

Disagree with my rankings? Believe the Virtual Boy surpasses the N64? Feel free to create your own tier list below and compare your S, A, B, C, and D rankings with the IGN community.

Nintendo Consoles

Although we've only seen two minutes of footage so far, where do you think the Nintendo Switch 2 will rank once it's fully released? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know why you've ranked the consoles the way you have.